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Happy and Healthy Trails

Camping is one of the most affordable vacation options around. However, the idea of “roughing it” doesn’t appeal to all travelers, especially ones who are concerned about staying safe, healthy and happy while on holiday with their loved ones. Working with unpredictable elements can be intimidating for some folks; however, with a little planning, you can make the most of what Mother Nature doles out. For example, if you are worried that eating healthy may be out of the question during an outdoor camping trip, consider the following tips. For starters, you don’t have to limit your camping menu to … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

So, you’ve already filled inexpensive glass vases with lemons, limes and oranges to add pops of color to your holiday dinner table. And you’ve used the trick of arranging peppermints in a silver dish to save on costly Christmas decorations, but now you need more ideas to preserve your budget this holiday season. Here are a few money-saving ideas to help you keep more green in your pocket as we countdown to Christmas: Paper Rules: Instead of investing in high-priced seasonal decor, cover frames with Christmas-themed wrapping paper and add some bows to complete the look. Or, use patterned scrapbook … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Holiday Cards

Does your budget include Christmas cards for this year? If not and you still want to send them, consider the following options. They will help you save money and still follow this cherished tradition. First take a look at what cards you may already have before you purchase any new ones. Maybe they don’t all match, or maybe you have a few less popular cards, but if you have them, you can use them. This will save you on the cost of having to buy new cards this year. I know that I frequently find extra cards packed in with … Continue reading →

Oranges and the Holiday Table

Oranges have long been a symbol of the holidays. Back before candy and other treats were so readily available, a single orange stuffed into the stocking on Christmas morning was a decadent delight in the middle of winter. Beside the tradition, oranges are so aromatic and colorful, that they deserve a place on your holiday table. As I ease into the Food Blog, I thought I would offer a very simple idea that you can try. Orange Cups A festive and easy way to offer sweet fruit cups. They look so pretty on the table, and kids get a big … Continue reading →

Healthy Halloween: Healthy Handouts

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It’s the dressing up, mostly… the chance to be someone or something else for a day! I don’t mind the candy, either. But the candy is definitely a mixed blessing. Halloween can be a BIG test of your willpower and diet abilities! So what are some healthy alternatives? Fruit. Apples and oranges are usually easily found during the fall months — and they’re good for you! Handing out fruit might not make you very popular with the kids… but the parents might appreciate the healthy snack appearing in the goodie bags. 100 calorie … Continue reading →

Festive Holiday Salads

Growing up you get used to seeing the same dishes served on special occasions. In our family every December 25th my grandma would set out her famous Christmas Salad. It wasn’t topped with holly or filled with candy; rather she relied on fresh cranberries to kick up what eventually became known as Grandma’s Christmas Salad. Interestingly, I know a few other people who have their own versions of Christmas salads and none of those include Christmas-themed ingredients either. Not even so much as a pine nut. But, that’s the beauty of holiday cooking: free interpretation. If you are looking to … Continue reading →

Say So Long to Summer with Spicy Cashew Strawberry Salad and Orange Spinach Salad

Summer is fading away… say it ain’t so. Soon it will be back to school, back to wool sweaters and back to scraping ice off my windshield. But, rather than dwell on the inevitable I’ve been trying to spend as much time outside as possible, including dining alfresco. Next week our entire playgroup will be having an end of the summer luncheon in the park. And with the Labor Day holiday fast approaching most of you likely have outdoor plans as well. If you are looking for a quick and easy potluck dish to pass at your next outdoor gathering … Continue reading →

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation

Continuing with our series: “Holiday Travel” today we move on to another important issue related to holiday travel-—health. Winter’s crummy weather doesn’t only serve as the impetus for travel delays and cancellations, it wrecks havoc on people’s immune systems. To avoid being laid up in a hotel bed while the rest of your family is hitting the slopes or the beach consider following these tips: 1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. 2. Examine dishes and utensils (make sure they are clean and dry) before using them. 3. If you are traveling abroad (places other than the United States … Continue reading →

Interchangeable Holiday Decorations?

You might not think of holiday decorations as being interchangeable. After all, each holiday has its own purpose and generally its own themes as well as certain traditional colors. While any color can be used and trends vary throughout the years, there are certain colors associated with each. Thanksgiving tends to include earth tones, Christmas red, white, and green, Easter pastels, and so on. Yet, there are different shades and tones as well as neutrals that can be used for most any occasion. One example is deep red. Golden brown turkey looks enticing sitting atop a warm, red tablecloth at … Continue reading →

Textured Fall Decorations: Pumpkins and More

Have you seen all the different varieties of handmade paper? Many are quite beautiful. Handmade paper is great for making beautiful seasonal and holiday decorations. *Cardstock, or poster board covered in tissue paper or even fabric will also work well. You will need a good assortment of fall colored materials, glue, scissors, hole punch, ribbon, and corrugated yarn in coordinating colors. A stapler is optional, if preferred instead of glue. Start by lightly sketching the shapes of the vegetables you would like to make onto the paper. Draw a pumpkin, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, or anything else you … Continue reading →